Gulf Central Early Steps

10/28/2025

🌟 You’re Invited!

Join Early Steps for an informative virtual workshop presented by Mrs. Lisa Matt, Director of the Family S.T.A.R. Program at the Family Network on Disabilities.

Topic: Being the Best Champion for Your Loved One and Family

🗓 Date: October 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Virtual – Join via Zoom

To register, please visit the registration link below: 👇
🔗 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/fkH_JjnrQYKFkrlSmTl16g

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn valuable tools and strategies to support your family!

09/22/2025

Milestone Monday
🌟 Is your little one reaching their milestones? 🌟

Parents often wonder what to expect when it comes to their child’s development

Babies and toddlers grow and develop at their own pace, but there are certain activities – such as smiling for the first time, standing and taking their first steps – that your child should be able to do once they reach specific ages. These skills are called developmental milestones. If you’re worried your child is not developing these skills on time, Early Steps can help.
https://floridaearlysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ES_MilestoneDevelopmentGuide_English_sm.pdf

Florida’s Early Steps Program provides early intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers, from birth to 36-months, with developmental delays, disabilities and at-risk conditions. Children can be referred to Early Steps in various ways. Referrals can be submitted by anyone involved in the care of the child, including parents/caregivers and physicians. To be enrolled in Early Steps, your child must first be found eligible.

Make a referral today!
🔗 Online: https://floridaearlysteps.com/make-a-referral/
📞 Call: 941-487-5400

Because every milestone matters! 💕

08/23/2025

🌟 A big thank you to The Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties for inviting Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida's Gulf Central Early Steps to be a part of your incredible Highlands County Bumps and Babies Community Baby Shower at the Sebring Civic Center! 📚🍼🏐

It was wonderful connecting with families and sharing resources to promote the healthy development of our little ones. If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out and make a referral to Gulf Central Early Steps—we’re here to help!

Make a referral today!
📞 Call: 941-487-5400
Visit us at hpcswf.com/early-steps-program

&Babies

08/19/2025

When it comes to your child’s growth and development, you’re not alone
Florida’s Early Steps program is here to help. We work closely with your family to provide early intervention services where your child lives, learns and plays.

Early Steps supports families and gives parents the confidence to advocate for their child. We understand that each child is unique, which is why we build on their individual strengths to form a plan that evolves as your child grows and develops.

Learn about Early Steps and early intervention services for children with developmental delays, disabilities and at-risk conditions.

08/05/2025

📢 New Temporary Online Referral Option Available

While we await a resolution with our usual online referral system, the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Central & Southwest Florida Early Steps has created a HIPAA-compliant online referral link to ensure families and community partners can continue making referrals quickly and conveniently.

🌐 To make a referral:
Visit our website ➡️ https://hpcswf.com/programs/early-steps
Click "Referral Form" to submit a referral for a child between birth and their third birthday residing in:
📍 Manatee
📍 Sarasota
📍 Charlotte
📍 Lee
📍 Collier
📍 Highlands
📍 Hardee
📍 DeSoto
📍 Hendry
📍 Glades

Once our usual online referral platform is restored, we will update the link on our website so the process remains seamless for families and community partners.

💙 Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work to keep services accessible for the children and families in our community!

The Florida Early Intervention System, through collaborative community partnerships and investments, ensures that infants and toddlers with special needs and their families achieve their full potential.

08/01/2025

Family Event!

07/11/2025

Know Your Rights with Gulf Central Early Steps! 🏡👶
Did you know that as a parent, you have important rights when it comes to your child’s early intervention services? 🌟
📢 Learn More About Your Rights:
📌 Florida Early Steps: Your Rights https://floridaearlysteps.com/your-rights/
📌 IDEA Part C Federal Regulations: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/c
🎥 Watch this video to learn more!
📺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCZHlkRzSko&feature=youtu.be
🔍 Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you're concerned about your child’s development, Gulf Central Early Steps is here to help!
Make a referral today!
📞 Call: 941-487-5400

05/30/2025

🌟 Every Child Grows in Their Own Way 🌟
Just like no two flowers bloom the same 🌼🌸—every child is unique and develops at their own pace. If you ever find yourself wondering, “Is this typical?” — you’re not alone.
At Gulf Central Early Steps, we’re here to support families with little ones (ages birth to the day before their 3rd birthday) who need a helping hand meeting their milestones.
💬 Trust your instincts.
👣 Take that first early step.
💙 We’re here with guidance, support, and services that come to YOU.
📲 Make a referral today:
🌐 https://floridaearlysteps.com/make-a-referral/
📞 Call us at 941-487-5400
Let’s grow together — One Early Step at a Time.

05/22/2025

MCR invites you to their 3rd Annual Arts and Health Fair. Come and participate!